First impressions are 'what a huge, and mixed up city'. Very impressive newly built skyscrapers and 5 star hotels line the main streets but behind them lay the ancient and very poor alleyways that some of the city people live in called Hutongs. All are by the side of some the most impressive buildings in the world! The Forbidden City was only actually built to allow the emperors of China a lavish existence, so lush that they didn't even need to walk anywhere! As...

We landed at 9.30am local time on the dot! We both said it was one of the smoothest landings we've ever had. Had a good chat with the purser on the flight, a guy called Tim who's been working the Asia flights for many years. He gave us some good advice about haggling in the markets & he also recommended visiting the Silk Market, although he said that the Pearl and Russian Markets are also good. He also recommended a local run restaurant called 'The Red Lant...